Hong Kong Watch calls for return home of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in Shenzhen

After 3 months of incommunicado detention, the Shenzhen police say they have completed their investigation into 12 young Hong Kong people arrested for allegedly entering mainland waters illegally, and the case has been passed to prosecutors.

In a notice published on Friday, the Yantian Detention Centre in Shenzhen said the Hongkongers have now been "handed over" to Yantian district prosecutors "in accordance with the law". They will face prosecution for illegal border crossing, and organising illegal border crossing.

None of the demands of the #save12HKyouths campaign have yet been met, and we reiterate our support for these calls. The 12 young people should be returned to Hong Kong to face a fair trial. They should be given access to the legal support of their families choosing, and medical care. They should be allowed to talk with their families. These are all basic matters of justice.